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South-Korea-Africa: Military officer sends aid every month to help African children

A Korean military officer wearing a black beret has been helping starving African children for five years despite her small salary.

Sgt. 1st Class Kang Hyeon-seo, 31, an action officer for psychological warfare at the International Peace Corps of the Korean Army in charge of overseas troop dispatch, wires 220,000 won (196 U.S. dollars) every month to global charity organizations such as World Vision and UNICEF to support seven African children.

Kang, who likes children very much, began her donations five years ago through a church she attended and gradually increased the amount to 10 percent of her salary. With her charitable deed now known to the world, she received a citation from the Incheon City Hall in September 2010.

“Having a meal with friends costs dozens of dollars. I thought that spending money on children suffering from hunger is more valuable than that,” Kang said, adding she is happy whenever she sees photos of cheerful and healthy children she supports.

An expert in high-altitude low open, Kang received a “special warfare warrior award” from the Special Warfare Command for which she serves. Having performed more than 1,130 jumps, she belongs to the top 1 percent at the command.

Kang finished second in a skydiving contest held by the special warfare commander in January last year, and also participated in the Military World Games and training in high-altitude jumping in the U.S. “I’d like to live the military life without regret by always doing my best, and do things helpful to the military and society,” she said.